Chapter 93: The Final Shoot and the Pager (Reincarnated as a Beautiful Girl and Aim to Become a Top Actress)

 93—The Final Shoot and the Pager

We’ve almost finished filming every scene of this drama, and I can finally see the end of my work coming into view. For the fire scene, the lighting crew used a clever technique by layering red and orange film over the lights to mimic flames, making it look like the fire was flickering. I think thanks to their skill, viewers will really feel like they’re in the middle of the blaze.

I also practiced coughing as if choking on smoke. They used a powder-like smoke machine for the scene to fill the air with smoke, but unfortunately, I inhaled some of that powder, and I started coughing uncontrollably. The director and staff praised me, saying “That was really realistic,” but honestly, I couldn’t help but think, “Of course it looked real—I was actually choking!” I had trouble breathing for a while after.

This drama tells the story of solving a school lunch money theft, rescuing stray cats and finding them homes, helping a parent and child who misunderstood each other because of overthinking, and secretly saving a friend caught in a fire. It’s about a girl who’s gained the ability to disappear and contributes to the peace of her neighborhood in her own spontaneous way. The role of the older brother who guides and supports his reckless younger sister is played by Tatsuya-san. We had worked together as coworkers before, so I think that made playing siblings a lot easier.

The ratings seem to be doing pretty well, too. Nao and Fumika both called me recently to say it was interesting. They’re both busy with club activities in junior high. They sent me photos from the school entrance ceremony up to summer vacation. Nao’s skin is nicely tanned, clearly showing how hard she’s working in her club. Fumika, who’s pale, standing beside her makes Nao’s tan look even darker. I wrote back telling them to remember to wear sunscreen because getting too much sun isn’t good. Although the sunscreen nowadays isn’t as strong as the stuff from the late Heisei era, it’s still better than nothing.

Fumika has this delicate beauty mixed with the innocent charm of a first-year junior high student, making her quite attractive—perhaps unintentionally to boys. If I think so just from photos, seeing her in person must be even more striking. With sporty Naoto and the pure-looking Fumika together, I bet they’re really popular with the boys.

That might be why some delinquent guys have taken an interest in her. Nao’s letter said Fumika herself doesn’t seem very aware of the danger, which worries me a lot. Boys their age are usually full of thoughts about the opposite sex. I don’t know if it’s the same person, but in a past life, Nao had a relationship with a delinquent and even had a child. So there’s a chance something bad could happen. I keep warning Fumika whenever I can, even if it might seem nagging, but it doesn’t seem to have much effect. Maybe I should talk to her aunt, but knowing how worried Fumika’s parents are, they might make her transfer to a private school.

If that happens, Nao and Fumika would be separated despite happily going to school together, and I’d prefer to avoid that. Since I’m not near Fumika, all I can do is keep gently warning her to be aware of boys, even if it doesn’t seem to help much. It’s frustrating that this can’t be solved quickly, but I have to keep in close contact with Nao and manage as best we can.

“Okay, last one, Sumire-chan. Can you introduce the video segment?”

Oops, I’d drifted off thinking again. Today’s my last day of shooting, and a reporter from the TV station’s wide show came for a live interview at the drama set. I hope I didn’t make any strange faces while spacing out. The schedule was tight and close to live, so even with my energetic middle schooler body, I’m pretty worn out.

But after filming the last scene by the school entrance set with Tatsuya-san as my big brother, I get to enjoy a summer break, even if it’s just for a week. I want to relax so badly. I still have to finish a drawing assignment, but that’s manageable. I also want to clean my dorm room since Yoko-san promised me a break starting tomorrow. Just a little more effort.

“As the final episodes approach, we hope everyone will watch to see how this drama ends. Thank you very much.”

I said with a smile, bowing my head. The female reporter thanked me, then the crew called out, “Okay, cut!” Looks like my part is done. I bowed again to the reporter who said, “Thank you, great job!” and then walked back to her cameraman and staff.

“That was hectic, those guys. Good job handling the interview, Sumire.”

“Oh, Tatsuya-san! You too, thanks for your hard work.”

Tatsuya-san and the director had also been interviewed for the broadcast. He called it hectic because they came about 10 minutes before air time and rushed through instructions before the live broadcast started almost immediately. I only found out that they were coming today, when we got to the studio. Honestly, I wish they’d give a heads-up next time; it’s stressful being caught off guard.

“But today’s your last shoot, huh? I’ve still got a bit left tomorrow.”

“Yeah, those are the retakes. With the current Tatsuya-san, they’ll be done in no time.”

I joked with him while he sighed. His acting during our previous movie wasn’t great, but he’s worked hard and improved a lot. Still, sometimes he stumbles over lines or doesn’t fit the director’s plan, so retakes happen. That’s normal, as long as they’re not too persistent about it.

“Thanks for everything during filming. It was fun sneaking in fireworks festivals and beach trips near the locations during breaks.”

“Yeah, Ooba-san went nuts, even though he’s about the same age as our dads.”

Ooba-san is the veteran actor who plays our father. We were all being careful not to get wet near the waves because wet costumes and hair sticking are a pain, but Ooba-san, a former surfer, suddenly jumped into the sea wearing his costume. He said, “My old blood just got stirred up.” The staff just laughed it off since filming was over.

But later, the director and staff who reviewed the footage suddenly turned cold and stern toward Ooba-san when they told him to reshoot. I felt a bit sorry for him, even if it was his own careless action.

Still, thinking about how the costume team had to borrow water from a nearby house to wash off the seawater and even begged a nearby hotel for their washing machines to clean the costumes, maybe their attitude was justified.

“I was happy to see you in a yukata at the festival. The fireworks were beautiful too.”

“Yeah, it was fun. The costume team even disguised us so it wouldn’t cause a fuss.”

The costume team secretly brought in a navy yukata decorated with white lilies for me and Tatsuya-san. It looked pretty expensive. They styled my hair in a bun, and when I tilted my head to check the back in the mirror, I noticed a small sunflower hairpin decorating my hair.

“Because it’s summer, sunflowers suit it best,” said the costume chief with a smile. They had pretty cherry blossom hairpins too, but those didn’t fit the season.

They lightly touched up my makeup and sent me over to Tatsuya-san, who had been dressed in a samue (traditional work clothes). He resisted a bit, saying why not just wear casual clothes to the festival? Well, guys usually don’t get many chances to wear traditional clothes. I never wore formal kimono or hakama in my past life either, mostly just suits. I’ve seen samue at clothing stores, but they didn’t have the right size.

Tatsuya-san looked uncomfortable and froze like time stopped when he noticed me. Maybe he didn’t know what to say. I thought he probably felt a bit out of place in the outfit, so I spoke first.

“Did they make you change too? The samue looks good on you.”

I smiled, and he nervously waved his hands before looking away and saying, “Y-you look good too, Sumire.” I felt a bit sorry for making him say it, but it’s nice to hear compliments when you’re dressed up.

“Thanks,” I said, and we wandered through the festival stalls wearing glasses without lenses. We enjoyed yakisoba and candied apples, and watched fireworks—it was a great festival.

“It’d be nice if next year we could invite friends and come again,” I said.

Tatsuya-san looked like he was struggling to say something. I tilted my head and waited. Finally, he nodded, gathered his courage, and started to speak.

“Sumire, please say ‘Sumire! Isurugi-kun! The director says filming is restarting!’”

“Ah, Yoko-san! Okay, got it!”

My attention shifted to Yoko-san waving and calling from a little distance. I didn’t catch what Tatsuya-san said because of that. I gave a quick reply before Yoko-san could shout again since loud voices on set aren’t appreciated. Yoko-san and I are in the same boat—if complaints come in, they’ll come to our agency together.

“Sorry, Tatsuya-san, I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?”

“...Nah, maybe next time.”

He dropped his shoulders and said that, then lightly pushed my back, signaling me to walk to the set. If it was important, I’m glad I asked, but since he said next time, maybe it’s fine.

As we walked over to Yoko-san, a steady electronic beep came from her chest pocket.

“Oh?”

Yoko-san pulled out a small, thick, black rectangular device from her suit pocket with her thumb and forefinger. Since being born again in this era, I hadn’t seen a pager until recently.

At Oshima Production, employees going out had been given telephone cards for public phones to check in with the office regularly. But one day, a sales rep from a pager company came by, and the desks—who were tired of waiting to be contacted—pushed hard for pagers. After management discussions, Azusa-san decided to introduce them.

Before, the desk staff had called TV stations or studios in emergencies, but often got bounced around or cut off, so they just waited patiently now.

With pagers, they’re really happy because they can get urgent messages quickly.

Right now, they’re only trialing the devices for a few managers and sales staff who are often out, not for talents like us yet. Since we’re always with our managers, the agency decided we don’t need them yet. Eventually, everyone will get them, but since cell phones and PHS (which are much smaller than before) are already common, I think it might be better to wait a bit longer. Of course, I can’t say that aloud or I’d be suspected of causing trouble.

“Beep beep beep—”

The pager beeped again. Yoko-san pressed a button to read the message and nodded.

“Well, looks like they’re calling us now. Let’s get back to work.”

(T/N: Ah, i'm almost off summer break </3 I wish summer break would last forever...)